Page 14 of Mayfair Madame (Mayfair Heights #1)

I led her to the bathroom and sat her on the stool in the corner. Steam filled the room as I ran the hot water. I added a good amount of bubble bath and frothed the water.

“How about you get undressed and I’ll leave you to it?”

“You can stay. I don’t mind, but would you mind getting me a glass of water?”

“Of course.” I touched her arm gently. I couldn’t help but think it was a distraction, so I didn’t see her naked, or perhaps I was overthinking.

I walked in just as she sat down with a splosh, her back in full view.

“I’ll just pop your water on here. Are you sure you want me to stay?”

She held her hand out to me and smiled. “I’d like that.”

What had changed? I didn’t know, but I wasn’t going to argue.

I sat on the floor next to her, my legs curled beneath me.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m not sure.” She hugged her knees to her chest, and her shoulders shook.

Damn, Ellie.

I picked up a washcloth and gently stroked her back, washing the filthy lake water from her skin. She continued to cry, and I continued to soothe her with gentle words and actions, until finally, the tears subsided. She lay back and submerged herself in the bubbles.

“It’s okay, Ellie. I’ve got you.”

“Thank you. If I’m honest, sitting on the bench, watching the paramedics do their stuff, saving his life, I realised how damn close I was to losing mine. He was a dead weight, but letting him go wasn’t an option.”

“Well, they say people find unbelievable strength when faced with situations like this. Maybe that’s what happened.”

“I don’t know, but I had another realisation, one that surprised me.”

“And that was?”

All the while she’d been talking, her focus had been elsewhere. She’d not looked at me once, but now she turned to me, a beautiful smile on her face.

“I might never have got the chance to see you again, and that would have been a damn shame. I’m not one who shows my emotions.

I usually keep them tight inside, and I’m pretty sure it’s why Kate found someone else.

It was difficult for me to express how I feel, but that’s not going to happen anymore. ”

My heart fluttered. Was she saying what I thought she was saying? I wasn’t usually this clueless, but she had my head in a spin.

“It’s a big enough bath. Why don’t you get in with me?”

“Are you sure? I—”

“More than sure.”

I knew there was a reason I’d opted for the oversized tub.

I didn’t need telling twice. I undressed quickly and stepped carefully into the bath. Did I sit with my back to the taps or to Ellie? I opted for the taps. I wanted to see her face.

She looked me up and down; her gaze settling on my thatch of pubic hair. Some liked to shave completely, whereas I liked to keep a little down there. I was eager to see her naked, but there’d be plenty of time for that.

We sat in silence. Her eyes never left mine.

“So, here we are,” she said eventually and smiled that beautiful smile, the one that lit up her face and made her eyes sparkle.

“I don’t remember the last time I took a bath in the middle of a Sunday afternoon. Especially with a beautiful woman.” I ran a finger up and down her arm, and goosebumps erupted despite the heat of the water.

“It is usually men?” Was she being funny? I didn’t think so if the cheeky smirk was anything to go by.

“I have a couple of male clients, but they’re older gentlemen in need of companionship. Gone are my days of having sex with clients. Does it bother you? My occupation?”

“Mmm, I don’t think so. We all need to make a living. I’m a detective. You’re a madame.”

“I am, and I run a very successful online escort business.”

“Oscar’s not one of yours, is he?” She entwined her fingers with mine, an intimate touch.

“God, no. He works for me as my stylist when I’ve an exclusive event to attend. He’s a damn talented fashion designer too.”

“I remember you saying. What about Marco?”

The water had cooled and the bubbles dissipated, offering a tantalising glimpse of her breasts beneath the water. I swallowed hard, trying to concentrate, but my eyes wandered to the soft flesh.

“He’s one of mine and very popular with both the ladies and the men.

Melinda, as you know, is my assistant. There are about twenty working for me at any time.

I run an exclusive business. High-end, you know?

You won’t find them hanging around the streets.

They’re well looked after. Some of them live right here in this block. ”

Her pale skin tempted me, enticing me to touch it. I licked my lips. I wanted to taste her the way she’d tasted me only last night.

“What are you thinking about?” She tilted her head, a curious look on her face.

“Whether you’ll taste as good as you look.” I edged towards her, the warm water lapping around us.

I wrapped my legs around her until we were chest to chest, her smooth, milky white tits nestled next to mine.

A flush spread from her face to her chest. Maybe it was the warm water, or maybe she was as aroused as I was.

I brushed the damp hair from her face, admiring the shape of her nose, the way her lips curved when she smiled, the small lines around her crystal blue eyes.

I stroked her shoulders, small touches that brought goosebumps to her skin. My fingers moved down her arms, and I took her hands in mine.

“Will you touch me?” I asked, desperate for her hands on my body.

A small smile spread across her face. “You only have to ask once.”

We explored each other’s bodies with feather-light touches, her hands gentle as she stroked each breast.

“The bruises are gone. He had no right, Naomi.”

“I know. I want to say I’m used to it, and that wouldn’t be a lie, but it wouldn’t be the first time it had happened.”

“He should be made to pay.” A hint of annoyance had crept in her voice.

“And he will. But I don’t want to talk about him now. I want to take you to my bed. Will you join me?”

She didn’t answer, and for a moment, I thought I’d lost her again, but she nodded and slowly stood, the water dripping down her body.

Her beautiful, curvaceous body. A body I longed to touch, to kiss, and to pleasure.

“Take me, Naomi. I’m all yours.”